Middle Tennessee Defeats Cumberland 74-58 at Home
Sunday, December 21, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · Murphy Center
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 74, Cumberland Phoenix 58, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Cumberland Phoenix vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders beat Cumberland Phoenix 74-58 at Murphy Center on December 21, 2025.
In a decisive matchup, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders secured a 74-58 victory over the Cumberland Phoenix at the Murphy Center. This win marks an important moment for Middle Tennessee, who improved their home record to 6-2 this season. The Blue Raiders showcased their offensive capabilities, averaging 78.4 points per game over their last ten outings, and they maintained a strong defensive presence, allowing an average of 72.7 points. Their recent form has been characterized by a mixed performance, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games and a current winning streak of one.
Middle Tennessee's recent games illustrate their competitive nature. In their last match on December 18, they narrowly defeated Kennesaw State Owls with a score of 68-67. Prior to that, they faced a challenging stretch, including a loss to the Belmont Bruins, where they were outscored 62-83. However, they bounced back with a strong win against the UAB Blazers, finishing 76-61. The Blue Raiders have shown resilience, particularly at home, where they have been more successful compared to their away record of 1-2.
Cumberland, on the other hand, has struggled in their recent outings, and this game was no exception. They have faced difficulties in maintaining consistent scoring, which was evident in their performance against Middle Tennessee. The Phoenix were unable to keep pace, particularly in the second half, where they fell behind significantly. Their scoring average has not been detailed, but their inability to match Middle Tennessee's output was clear as they finished with only 58 points.
The game featured several notable scoring plays in the second half, including a 24-foot three-point jumper by Jahvin Carter, which extended Middle Tennessee's lead to 70-54. The Blue Raiders demonstrated their depth with contributions from various players, including Torey Alston, who capped off the scoring with free throws to finalize the score at 74-58.
In terms of injury concerns, the block does not provide specific details, but the performance of both teams suggests that they fielded their standard lineups. The conditions at the Murphy Center appeared favorable for basketball, contributing to the home team's strong performance.
The market had priced Middle Tennessee as the clear favorite, reflecting their home advantage and recent form. The home win probability was noted as 1.0, indicating strong confidence in their ability to secure the victory.
Viewers of the game were treated to a display of Middle Tennessee's offensive strategy, particularly their ability to score in transition and capitalize on defensive lapses from Cumberland. The Blue Raiders' ability to maintain control of the game, especially in the second half, was a key factor in their successful outing.
Leaders
- PointsJahvin Carter20Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsSean Smith4Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsTorey Alston10Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- PointsMatthew Stokes12Cumberland Phoenix
- AssistsTriston Conger5Cumberland Phoenix
- ReboundsMichael Nwoye7Cumberland Phoenix
Recent form
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 6-4Streak W178.4 scored · 72.7 allowed per game5-2 at home
- W68-67vs Kennesaw State OwlsDec 18
- L62-83vs Belmont BruinsDec 7
- W76-61vs UAB BlazersDec 2
- L62-72at McNeese CowboysNov 25
- L79-92vs George Washington RevolutionariesNov 24
- W90-87vs Murray State RacersNov 24
- L61-86at Michigan WolverinesNov 19
- W77-72at Evansville Purple AcesNov 13
- W109-56vs Webster GorloksNov 9
- W100-51vs Milligan BuffaloesNov 5
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Cumberland Phoenix | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-57 | 23-51 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 5-18 | 7-26 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 27 |
| Free throws | 5-7 | 21-28 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 23 |
| Assists | 11 | 10 |
| Steals | 9 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 28 |
| Fouls | 18 | 8 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 18 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 46 | 40 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half35-30Jahvin Carter makes driving layup
- 2nd Half35-32Torey Alston makes 1-foot dunk (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half35-34Torey Alston makes layup (Kamari Lands assists)
- 2nd Half35-35Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half35-37Torey Alston makes layup
- 2nd Half38-37Nick Brunetti makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half38-38Jahvin Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-40Torey Alston makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half40-40Michael Nwoye makes layup
- 2nd Half40-41Chris Loofe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-42Chris Loofe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-42Matthew Stokes makes layup (Jaren Davis assists)
- 2nd Half42-44Jahvin Carter makes driving layup (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half44-44Matthew Stokes makes layup (Triston Conger assists)
- 2nd Half44-46Chris Loofe makes 4-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half44-47Jahvin Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-48Jahvin Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-50Jahvin Carter makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-51Sean Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-52Sean Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-52Triston Conger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-52Triston Conger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-53Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-55Torey Alston makes 1-foot dunk (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half48-55Matthew Stokes makes layup
- 2nd Half50-55Jordan Jenkins makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half50-58Jahvin Carter makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-58Matthew Stokes makes layup
- 2nd Half52-60Tre Green makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half52-61Tre Green makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-62Tre Green makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-65Kamari Lands makes 24-foot three point jumper (Torey Alston assists)
- 2nd Half52-67Sean Smith makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half54-67Triston Conger makes layup
- 2nd Half54-70Jahvin Carter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Torey Alston assists)
- 2nd Half54-72Tre Green makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half56-72Matthew Stokes makes layup (Jake Hatch assists)
- 2nd Half56-73Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-74Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-74Michael Nwoye makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, below favours Cumberland Phoenix.
Venue
- Murphy CenterMurfreesboro, TN
- Attendance2511
- OfficialsBarry Mathis, Eric Lowe, James Gibson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond